He arrived with 30 years of Army experience. In 1978, O'Boyle retired as the fourth Command Sgt. Major of the U.S. Health Services Command, now the U.S. Army Medical Command. He worked for three generals and served with troops during the Korea and Vietnam at hospital wards, clinics and dispensaries. At the medical center, he's helped answer the questions of hospital visitors and when needed, offered words of reassurance.

Though he'll retire his maroon vest, bedecked with metal pins accrued over the years, he said if his co-workers are ever in a bind, he's ready to come back.